Jazz Ensembles present “A Tribute to Count Basie”

November 7, 2012

Peoria, IL (November 7, 2012) The Bradley University Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band, under the direction of Dr. Todd Kelly, will present “A Tribute to Count Basie” on Friday, November 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dingeldine Music Center, located at 1417 W. Barker Avenue. Admission is $5 and free for students.

The 18-member Jazz Ensemble will the perform music of the great Count Basie. Selections will include “April in Paris,” “Shiny Stockings,” “All of Me,” “Corner Pocket” and several other selections.

The Jazz Ensemble is the flagship group of Bradley’s jazz program. They perform a yearly tribute to a jazz master – past tributes have included Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra, and “A Tribute to the Golden Age of Swing.” They toured Italy last summer, performing in Rome, Perugia, Siena, Cinque Terre, and Vertibo.

The Jazz Lab Band, also under the direction of Kelly, will perform “Lil Darlin,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “Sir Duke” and “The Chicken.” They have distinguished themselves as one of the few college big bands in the country to rehearse and perform completely by ear.

Dr. Kelly, associate professor of music, directs the Bradley Jazz Bands and Jazz Combo, teaches studio trumpet, and serves as the advisor for the music business program. He is an artist/clinician for the Conn/Selmer Company, and serves as the Illinois Vice President for the International Association for Jazz Education. He is in demand throughout the Midwest as a soloist and clinician. He recently performed with the national tour of “Wicked.”